B.C. mayor calls FIFA a ‘bunch of arseholes’ after they reject brewery street party

A British Columbia brewery's plan to host a family-friendly street party for a World Cup match was shut down by FIFA, leading to sharp criticism from the local mayor.

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As your organization operates in a category that directly competes with one of FIFA’s commercial partners, it is not eligible to host, sponsor, exhibit at, or otherwise be associated with a public viewing event relating to the tournament.

Patina Brewing in Port Coquitlam had followed FIFA's application process and secured city approval, intending to close the street and set up outdoor screens for the Canada vs. Switzerland game. The event was also planned as a fundraiser for PoCo FC, the local soccer association, to help underprivileged children play the sport.

However, FIFA denied the application, stating that the brewery operates in a category that directly competes with one of FIFA's commercial partners. The organization identified AB InBev, its official beer producer with global operations and significant revenue, as the competing entity.

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We were involving the PoCo FC, which is our local soccer association; we were raising money for them so that they can help the underprivileged children play soccer in our community.

Sarah Harbord, Patina Brewing's director of operations, expressed surprise at the rejection, as they did not anticipate this being an issue. Megan Spletzer, the events coordinator, echoed this sentiment, stating they never thought it would prevent the party.

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Because we just didn’t think that that was going to be an issue.

Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West voiced his disappointment, calling FIFA "a bunch of arseholes" and suggesting this decision reflects the organization's reputation. While the brewery can still show matches inside, the street party is canceled. Patina Brewing stated it will continue to find ways to support PoCo FC and bring the community together during the World Cup.

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You know, yesterday everyone swept up in World Cup fever and Canada has a historic win and then you get a reminder like this that FIFA are a bunch of arseholes.